The Venezuelan Government Remixed “Despacito” for Political Propaganda, and Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee Are Not Happy

It didn’t take long for “Despacito,” the catchy hit by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, to become the undisputed song of the summer. With the release of a Justin Bieber remix, the danceable track went nuclear, managing to stay at the top of the charts for 11 consecutive weeks as it became the most viewed video on YouTube in history, with 2.8 billion views. The song’s overwhelming popularity has inspired a number of remixes and parodies (this one is a particular treat), and while both artists have generally welcomed alternative versions of their song, they’ve recently taken a stand against one in particular: the one done by the Venezuelan government.

On Monday night, Fonsi addressed the issue with a post on Instagram. “In repeated occasions I’ve said how much I enjoy the versions of ‘Despacito’ that have come out around the world, but there’s a limit,” he wrote in Spanish. “At no point was I ever consulted, nor have I authorized the use or change of lyrics of ‘Despacito’ for political ends, much less in the midst of the deplorable situation that is taking place in a country I love as much as Venezuela.” He continued: “My music is for all of those who want to listen and enjoy it, not to use as propaganda for those who try to manipulate the will of the people, who are crying out for their freedom and a better future.”

Shortly after, Daddy Yankee also took a similar stance on Instagram, sharing a photo of Maduro with a big red X over it and a Spanish caption condemning the Venezuelan president’s use of his song. “What else can you expect of a person who has robbed so many lives of young dreamers and of people who want a better future for their children?” the reggaeton star wrote. “Illegally appropriating a song [‘Despacito’] doesn’t compare with the crimes you commit and have committed in Venezuela.” The vote to try to change the constitution of Venezuela is set to take place on Sunday.